Power transmission device

Abstract

Provided is a power transmission device capable of applying a force with high precision to a weight member from an outer diameter side position to an inner diameter side position, and capable of stably moving the weight member according to a centrifugal force. A centrifugal clutch unit (9) is provided with a holding member (11), a crimping member (12), and a biasing member (16) that biases counterweight members (10) from an outer diameter side position toward an inner diameter side position, and the counterweight members (10) are each housed in a plurality of housing parts (11a) formed in the circumferential direction of the holding member (11) so as to be movable in a radial direction. A plurality of urging members (16) are disposed in the circumferential direction between the inner circumferential wall surface (11aa) of the housing section (11a) and the weight member (10), and urge the weight member (10) from the outer diameter side position toward the inner diameter side position.

Description

[0001] The present application is a divisional application of the application No. 202080099673.0, filed on September 14, 2020, with the title of “Power transmission device”. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to a power transmission device capable of arbitrarily transmitting or cutting off the transmission of a rotational force of an input member to an output member. BACKGROUND

[0003] Generally, a power transmission device provided in a two-wheeled motor vehicle is used to arbitrarily transmit or cut off the transmission of a driving force of an engine to a transmission and drive wheels, and has an input member linked to the engine side, an output member linked to the transmission and drive wheels side, a clutch member linked to the output member, and a pressure member capable of approaching or departing from the clutch member, and is configured to transmit the power by pressing the driving-side clutch plate and the driven-side clutch plate to approach the pressure member to the clutch member, and cut off the transmission of the power by releasing the pressing force of the driving-side clutch plate and the driven-side clutch plate to depart the pressure member from the clutch member.

[0004] As a conventional power transmission device, for example, as disclosed in Patent Literature 1, a centrifugal clutch unit provided with a counterweight member that is moved from the inner diameter side position to the outer diameter side position of the groove portion by centrifugal force accompanying the rotation of the clutch housing, thereby being capable of pressing the driving-side clutch plate and the driven-side clutch plate has been proposed. According to this conventional power transmission device, the counterweight member is pressed by centrifugal force by the rotation of the clutch housing accompanying the driving of the engine, and the driving-side clutch plate and the driven-side clutch plate are pressed to transmit the driving force of the engine to the wheels.

[0005] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0006] PATENT LITERATURE

[0007] Patent Literature 1: International Publication No. 2013 / 183588 SUMMARY

[0008] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0009] However, the above conventional power transmission device requires a relatively large movement space of the counterweight member composed of a steel ball, and the device can be large-sized. Thus, the present applicant has diligently studied to miniaturize the device by using a shogi piece-shaped (block-shaped) counterweight member having a front surface and a back surface, but in this case, in order to return the counterweight member to the initial position, a structure provided with a spring or the like biasing member has been studied.

[0010] According to this structure, when centrifugal force accompanying rotation of the clutch housing decreases, the weight member can be smoothly moved from the outer diameter side position to the inner diameter side position by the urging member. However, in a case where a plurality of weight members are provided so as to be arranged in the circumferential direction of the holding member and are respectively movable in the radial direction, there is a problem that it is difficult to precisely urge the weight members from the outer diameter side position toward the inner diameter side position by the urging unit.

[0011] The present application has been achieved in view of such circumstances, and provides a power transmission device capable of precisely urging weight members from an outer diameter side position toward an inner diameter side position and stably moving the weight members in accordance with centrifugal force.

[0012] Means for solving the problem

[0013] The application described in Solution 1 is a power transmission device having: a clutch housing that rotates together with an input member that rotates by a driving force of an engine of a vehicle, and a plurality of driving side clutch plates installed; a clutch member that has a plurality of passive side clutch plates alternately formed with the driving side clutch plates of the clutch housing, and is linked to an output member that can rotate a wheel of the vehicle; a pressure member that can move between an operating position and a non-operating position, the operating position being a position where the driving side clutch plates and the passive side clutch plates are pressed to be in a state where the driving force of the engine can be transmitted to the wheel, and the non-operating position being a position where the pressing force of the driving side clutch plates and the passive side clutch plates is released to be able to cut off the transmission of the driving force of the engine to the wheel; and a centrifugal clutch unit having a weight member that can move from an inner diameter side position to an outer diameter side position by centrifugal force accompanying rotation of the clutch housing, the driving side clutch plates and the passive side clutch plates being pressed to be in a state where the driving force of the engine can be transmitted to the wheel when the weight member is in the outer diameter side position, and the pressing force of the driving side clutch plates and the passive side clutch plates being released to be able to cut off the transmission of the driving force of the engine to the wheel when the weight member is in the inner diameter side position, the power transmission device being characterized in that the centrifugal clutch unit is configured to have: a holding member that holds the weight member so as to be movable between the inner diameter side position and the outer diameter side position; a pressing member that moves in a stacking direction of the driving side clutch plates and the passive side clutch plates by the weight member moving from the inner diameter side position to the outer diameter side position to press the driving side clutch plates and the passive side clutch plates; and an urging member that urges the weight member from the outer diameter side position toward the inner diameter side position, the weight member being respectively accommodated in accommodation portions formed in a plurality in the circumferential direction of the holding member so as to be movable in the radial direction, and the urging member being respectively provided in a plurality in the circumferential direction between an inner peripheral wall surface of the accommodation portion and the weight member.

[0014] The invention described in Solution 2 is the power transmission device described in Solution 1, characterized in that the weight member is formed with an insertion portion that opens a surface opposite the holding member and enables the insertion and attachment of the force applying member.

[0015] The invention described in Solution 3 is the power transmission device described in Solution 1 or 2, characterized in that the weight member is formed with a groove in a direction from the inner diameter side position to the outer diameter side position, and the holding member is formed with a holding portion that matches the groove and holds the weight member.

[0016] The invention described in Solution 4 is the power transmission device described in any one of Solutions 1 to 3, characterized in that the centrifugal clutch unit is configured to have: a first spherical member that protrudes a portion from an opening of one of the through holes formed in the weight member and is able to roll in contact with a rolling surface of the pressure contact member; and a second spherical member that protrudes a portion from an opening of the other of the through holes formed in the weight member and is able to roll in contact with a rolling surface of the holding member.

[0017] The invention described in Solution 5 is the power transmission device described in Solution 4, characterized in that the holding member or the pressure contact member has a groove shape along a moving direction of the weight member, which is set as the rolling surface of the first spherical member or the second spherical member.

[0018] The invention described in Solution 6 is the power transmission device described in Solution 4 or 5, characterized in that the first spherical member and the second spherical member are each formed with a plurality of members across a circumferential direction of the holding member.

[0019] Effects of Invention

[0020] According to the invention of Solution 1, since the weight members are each accommodated in the accommodation portions formed with a plurality of members across a circumferential direction of the holding member and are able to move in a radial direction, and the force applying member is each provided with a plurality of members in a circumferential direction between an inner peripheral wall surface of the accommodation portion and the weight member, the weight members are able to be applied with force from the outer diameter side position toward the inner diameter side position with high precision, and are able to be stably moved according to centrifugal force.

[0021] According to the invention of Solution 2, since the weight member is formed with an insertion portion that opens a surface opposite the holding member and enables the insertion and attachment of the force applying member, the assembly of the force applying member with respect to the weight member is able to be easily performed.

[0022] According to the invention of Solution 3, since the weight member is formed with a groove in a direction from the inner diameter side position to the outer diameter side position, and the holding member is formed with a holding portion that matches the groove and holds the weight member, the movement of the weight member is able to be stably performed.

[0023] According to the invention of Scheme 4, since the centrifugal clutch unit is configured to include: a first spherical member, a portion of which protrudes from an opening formed in one side of the through hole of the counterweight member and can contact the rolling surface of the pressing member to roll; and a second spherical member, a portion of which protrudes from an opening formed in the other side of the through hole of the counterweight member and can contact the rolling surface of the holding member to roll, the movement of the counterweight member can be performed more stably.

[0024] According to the invention of Scheme 5, since the retaining member or pressing member has a groove shape along the moving direction of the counterweight member, and the groove shape is set as the rolling surface of the first spherical member or the second spherical member, the movement of the counterweight member can be made smoother.

[0025] According to the invention of Scheme 6, since the first spherical member and the second spherical member are formed in multiples throughout the circumference of the retaining member, it is possible to achieve more stable movement of the counterweight member. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is an external view showing an embodiment of the power transmission device of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Sectional view along line II-II.

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Sectional view along line III-III.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the clutch housing in a power transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 These are three views illustrating the first clutch component in a power transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the first clutch component in a power transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 7 These are three views illustrating the second clutch component in a power transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the second clutch component in a power transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 9 These are three views illustrating the pressure member in a power transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the pressure member in the power transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 11 This is a longitudinal sectional view showing the centrifugal clutch unit in a power transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing a partial cross-section of the centrifugal clutch unit in a power transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 13 These are three views showing the holding member of the centrifugal clutch unit in a power transmission device constituting an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 14 These are three views showing the support member of the centrifugal clutch unit in the power transmission device constituting an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 15 These are three views showing the pressing member of the centrifugal clutch unit in a power transmission device constituting an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 16 These are four views showing the counterweight component of the centrifugal clutch unit in a power transmission device constituting an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 Sectional view along line XVII-XVII.

[0043] Figure 18 This is a plan view showing the counterweight member in the centrifugal clutch unit of the power transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention in the position of the inner diameter side.

[0044] Figure 19 This is a plan view showing the counterweight member in the centrifugal clutch unit of the power transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention in the position of the outer diameter side.

[0045] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the function of (a) the pressing auxiliary cam and (b) the anti-torque limiter cam in the power transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle to illustrate a power transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 22This is a cross-sectional view showing the counterweight member in the power transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention in the position of the inner diameter side.

[0048] Figure 23 This is a cross-sectional view showing the counterweight member in the power transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention in an intermediate position between the inner diameter side position and the outer diameter side position.

[0049] Figure 24 This is a cross-sectional view showing the counterweight member in the power transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention in the position of the outer diameter side.

[0050] Figure 25 This is a cross-sectional view showing the counterweight member in the power transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention in the outer diameter side position and the pressure member in the non-working position. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The following is a reference to the appendix. Figure 1 The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0052] The power transmission device K in this embodiment is as follows: Figure 21 As shown, it is configured in the vehicle to arbitrarily transmit or disconnect the driving force of the engine E via the transmission M to the drive wheel T side, such as... Figures 1-17 As shown, the system comprises a clutch housing 2 having an input gear 1 (input member) that rotates under the driving force of the engine E of the vehicle, an output shaft 3 (output member) connected to the transmission M, clutch members (first clutch member 4a and second clutch member 4b), a pressure member 5, multiple drive-side clutch plates 6 and multiple passive-side clutch plates 7, a centrifugal clutch unit 9 having a counterweight member 10, and an auxiliary clutch plate 17.

[0053] If the input gear 1 is fed with driving force (rotational force) transmitted from the engine E, it can rotate around the output shaft 3 and is connected to the clutch housing 2 via rivets, etc. The clutch housing 2 is composed of... Figure 2 , 3 The cylindrical member with an opening at the right end is configured to be connected to the input gear 1 and can rotate together with the rotation of the input gear 1 by the driving force of the engine E.

[0054] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, the clutch housing 2 has multiple circumferential cuts 2a, into which multiple drive-side clutch plates 6 are mounted. Each drive-side clutch plate 6 is formed as a generally annular plate and rotates together with the clutch housing 2, and is configured to be axially ( Figure 2 , 3 Slide up in the left or right direction.

[0055] The clutch components (first clutch component 4a and second clutch component 4b) are equipped with a plurality of passive clutch plates 7 that alternately form with the drive-side clutch plates 6 of the clutch housing 2, and are connected to the output shaft 3 (output component) that can rotate the drive wheel T via the vehicle's transmission M. The clutch components are constructed by assembling the first clutch component 4a and the second clutch component 4b.

[0056] The first clutch component 4a is configured such that a through hole is formed in its center (see reference). Figure 5 , 6 The output shaft 3 is inserted through and the gears formed by them mesh to connect in the direction of rotation. For example... Figure 5 , 6 As shown, the first clutch member 4a has a slope surface 4aa that forms a cam for pressing assistance and a slope surface 4ab that forms a cam for counter-torque limiter. It should be noted that the reference numeral 4ac in the figure indicates a protrusion, which has a through hole for bolt B for connecting the first clutch member 4a and the fixing member 8.

[0057] like Figure 7 , 8 As shown, the second clutch member 4b is composed of an annular member having a flange portion 4bb, configured such that the driven side clutch plate 7 is mounted by spline engagement at the spline engagement portion 4ba formed on the outer peripheral surface. Furthermore, as... Figure 2 , 3 As shown, a pressure member 5 is assembled in the clutch components (first clutch component 4a and second clutch component 4b), and multiple drive-side clutch plates 6 and driven-side clutch plates 7 are alternately stacked between the flange portion 5c of the pressure member 5 and the flange portion 4bb of the second clutch component 4b.

[0058] like Figure 9 , 10 As shown, the pressure member 5 is composed of a circular plate-shaped member with a flange portion 5c formed throughout its periphery. It can move between a working position and a non-working position. The working position is a position in which the driving side clutch plate 6 and the driven side clutch plate 7 are pressed together, which enables the transmission of the driving force of the engine E to the wheels. The non-working position is a position in which the pressing force of the driving side clutch plate 6 and the driven side clutch plate 7 is released, which enables the transmission of the driving force of the engine E to the wheels to be cut off.

[0059] More specifically, such as Figure 7 , 8As shown, the spline engagement portion 4ba formed on the second clutch member 4b is composed of a concave-convex shape that is integrally formed around the outer peripheral side surface of the second clutch member 4b. It is configured such that the driven side clutch plate 7 engages with the groove forming the spline engagement portion 4ba, allowing the driven side clutch plate 7 to move axially relative to the second clutch member 4b while restricting its movement in the rotational direction, and can rotate together with the second clutch member 4b.

[0060] The passive-side clutch plate 7 and the drive-side clutch plate 6 are alternately stacked, and adjacent clutch plates 6 and 7 can achieve pressing or release of pressing force. That is, the two clutch plates 6 and 7 are allowed to slide axially toward the second clutch member 4b. The clutch is opened by pressing each clutch plate (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b), so that the rotational force of the clutch housing 2 is transmitted to the output shaft 3 through the second clutch member 4b and the first clutch member 4a. The clutch is closed by releasing the pressing force of each clutch plate (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b), so that the first clutch member 4a and the second clutch member 4b no longer follow the rotation of the clutch housing 2, and the transmission of rotational force to the output shaft 3 no longer occurs.

[0061] Therefore, when the drive-side clutch plate 6 and the driven-side clutch plate 7 are pressed together, the rotational force (driving force of engine E) input to the clutch housing 2 is transmitted to the drive wheel side (transmission M) via the output shaft 3 (output member). When the pressing of the drive-side clutch plate 6 and the driven-side clutch plate 7 is released, the transmission of the rotational force (driving force of engine E) input to the clutch housing 2 to the output shaft 3 (output member) can be cut off.

[0062] In addition, such as Figure 9 , 10 As shown, the pressure member 5 has multiple (three in this embodiment) insertion holes 5d formed circumferentially, and the clutch spring S is inserted into each insertion hole 5d. Figure 2 As shown, the clutch spring S is housed within the insertion hole 5d and one end abuts against the fixing member 8, and is subjected to force in the direction that presses the drive-side clutch plate 6 and the driven-side clutch plate 7 together. Furthermore, by operating the clutch operating unit (not shown), the pressing or releasing of the drive-side clutch plate 6 and the driven-side clutch plate 7 can be performed.

[0063] Moreover, in this embodiment, such as Figure 5 , 6As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the first clutch member 4a has slope surfaces 4aa and 4ab, and the pressure member 5 has slope surfaces 5a and 5b opposite to these slope surfaces 4aa and 4ab. That is, slope surfaces 4aa and 5a abut to form a pressing auxiliary cam, and slope surfaces 4ab and 5b abut to form a counter-torque limiter cam.

[0064] Furthermore, when the engine E's rotational speed increases to a state where the rotational force input to the input gear 1 and clutch housing 2 can be transmitted to the output shaft 3 via the first clutch member 4a and the second clutch member 4b (the counterweight member 10 is at the outer diameter side position), as Figure 20 As shown in (a), a rotational force in the direction a is applied to the pressure member 5. Therefore, through the action of the pressing auxiliary cam, a force in the direction c in the figure is generated in the pressure member 5. Consequently, the pressure member 5 moves further toward its flange 5c relative to the flange 4bb of the second clutch member 4b in the direction of (a). Figure 2 , 3 The left side moves, increasing the pressing force between the drive-side clutch plate 6 and the driven-side clutch plate 7.

[0065] On the other hand, when the rotation of the output shaft 3 exceeds the rotational speed of the input gear 1 and the clutch housing 2, generating a counter-torque, such as Figure 20 As shown in (b), a rotational force in the direction of b is applied to the clutch member 4. Therefore, through the action of the cam of the anti-torque limiter, the pressure member 5 is moved in the direction of d in the figure, thereby releasing the pressing force between the drive-side clutch plate 6 and the driven-side clutch plate 7. As a result, adverse conditions relative to the power transmission device K and the power source (engine E side) caused by anti-torque can be avoided.

[0066] like Figures 11-19 As shown, the centrifugal clutch unit 9 is equipped with a centrifugal force that can be applied from the inner diameter side position (see reference 2) by means of the centrifugal force accompanying the rotation of the clutch housing 2. Figure 18 ) Outer diameter side position (refer to Figure 19 The movable counterweight member 10 is configured such that when the counterweight member 10 is in the outer diameter side position, the driving side clutch plate 6 and the driven side clutch plate 7 are pressed together to enable the transmission of the driving force of the engine E to the wheel (drive wheel T), and when the counterweight member 10 is in the inner diameter side position, the pressing force of the driving side clutch plate 6 and the driven side clutch plate 7 is released to cut off the transmission of the driving force of the engine E to the wheel (drive wheel T).

[0067] Specifically, the centrifugal clutch unit 9 is configured to include a counterweight member 10 composed of shogi-piece-shaped (block-shaped) components, a retaining member 11 on which a support member 13 is mounted, a pressing member 12, a first spherical member 14, a second spherical member 15, and a force-applying member 16 composed of a coil spring. It should be noted that the retaining member 11 and the pressing member 12 have multiple protrusions formed circumferentially, which, like the drive-side clutch plate 6, are fitted into the cutout 2a of the clutch housing 2. Thus, the retaining member 11 and the pressing member 12 can move axially in the clutch housing 2 and can engage in the rotational direction to rotate together with the clutch housing 2.

[0068] like Figure 16 As shown, the counterweight component 10 is composed of a chess piece-shaped component having one face X and another face Y, as shown in the figure and Figure 17 As shown, the counterweight member 10 is configured to have a through hole 10a extending from one surface X to another surface Y, an insertion portion 10b formed on the other surface Y, and a groove 10c formed on one surface X. Figure 18 , 19 As shown, the counterweight 10 is housed in the receiving portion 11a of the retaining member 11 and is held in the inner diameter position when no centrifugal force is applied (see reference). Figure 18 Furthermore, by being subjected to centrifugal force, it moves outward against the force-applying member 16, reaching the outer diameter side position (see reference). Figure 19 ).

[0069] The retaining member 11 holds the counterweight member 10 so that it can move between the inner diameter side position and the outer diameter side position, such as Figure 13 As shown, it is composed of a ring-shaped component and is configured to have a plurality of receiving portions 11a that are formed throughout the circumference and accommodate the counterweight component 10, a groove shape 11b formed in the receiving portion 11a, and a pressing surface 11c. Each receiving portion 11a is configured to be a concave shape that matches the shape and range of motion of the counterweight component 10, and is configured such that one end of the force-applying member 16 can abut against its inner circumferential wall surface 11aa.

[0070] Furthermore, a support member 13 is fixed to the surface of the retaining member 11 where the receiving portion 11a is formed. For example... Figure 14 As shown, the support member 13 has a radially formed retaining portion 13a, which matches the groove 10c of the counterweight member 10, thereby holding the counterweight member 10 to the retaining member 11. That is, the counterweight member 10 has a groove 10c formed at the center of one of its surfaces X in the direction from the inner diameter side to the outer diameter side. By matching the retaining portion 13a with the groove 10c, the counterweight member 10 is held so that it can move radially (in the direction from the inner diameter side to the outer diameter side).

[0071] The pressing member 12 moves from the inner diameter side to the outer diameter side via the counterweight member 10 in the stacking direction of the driving side clutch plate 6 and the driven side clutch plate 7. Figure 2 , 3 The right side moves to press the drive-side clutch plate 6 and the driven-side clutch plate 7 into contact. Specifically, as shown... Figure 15 As shown, the pressing member 12 is composed of an annular member and is configured to have multiple circumferentially formed slope grooves 12a, groove shapes 12b formed at the positions where the slope grooves 12a are formed, and pressing surfaces 12c.

[0072] The slope grooves 12a are formed at positions corresponding to the counterweight member 10, and are configured to slope upwards from the inside to the outside. Thus, when the clutch housing 2 is stopped, the counterweight member 10 is held in the inner diameter position by the force of the force-applying member 16, and if the clutch housing 2 rotates, centrifugal force is applied to the counterweight member 10 and it moves along the slope grooves 12a, thereby causing the pressing member 12 to move away from the holding member 11 (i.e., the direction in which the driving side clutch plate 6 and the driven side clutch plate 7 are pressed).

[0073] Therefore, if the counterweight component 10 is positioned in the middle while the retaining component 11 and the pressing component 12 are assembled, then as follows: Figure 11 , 12 As shown, the slope groove 12a is located at the position corresponding to each counterweight component 10. The counterweight component 10 moves from the inner diameter side to the outer diameter side via centrifugal force along the slope groove 12a. The pressing component 12... Figure 11 The component moves in the direction of the middle arrow (right side in the figure), and the pressing surface 12c formed on the pressing member 12 presses the driving side clutch plate 6 and the driven side clutch plate 7 to set them into a pressing state, and the holding member 11 is held in a pressing state by its reaction force. Figure 11 Moving in the opposite direction of the middle arrow (left side in the figure), the pressing surface 11c formed on the retaining member 11 presses the auxiliary clutch plate 17 into place.

[0074] like Figure 18 , 19 As shown, in this embodiment, the counterweight member 10 is housed in a plurality of receiving portions 11a formed circumferentially around the retaining member 11 and is movable in a radial direction. The force-applying member 16 is located on the inner peripheral wall surface 11aa of the receiving portion 11a (see reference). Figure 13 Multiple (two in this embodiment) are arranged circumferentially between the receiving part 11a and the counterweight 10 to apply force to the counterweight 10 from the outer diameter side to the inner diameter side. Here, the inner circumferential wall surface 11aa of the receiving part 11a is set as a flat surface that abuts against one end of the force-applying member 16, so that the force-applying member 16 can be installed in a stable state.

[0075] Furthermore, the counterweight member 10 in this embodiment has a surface that faces the retaining member 11. Figure 17 The other side (Y) of the tube has an opening, through which the force-applying member 16 can be inserted for installation. Furthermore, by housing the counterweight member 10, with the force-applying member 16 inserted into the insertion portion 10b, in the receiving portion 11a of the retaining member 11, the force-applying member 16 is installed between the inner peripheral wall surface 11aa of the receiving portion 11a and the counterweight member 10. It should be noted that the force-applying member 16 is arranged such that one end abuts against the inner peripheral wall surface 11aa and the other end abuts against the end wall surface 10ba of the insertion portion 10b, enabling force to be applied to the counterweight member 10 from the outer diameter side position toward the inner diameter side position.

[0076] The first spherical component 14 is composed of steel balls installed on the counterweight component 10, such as Figure 16 , 17 As shown, a portion protrudes from one opening 10aa (an opening with a small diameter on the X side) formed in the through hole 10a of the counterweight member 10, allowing it to contact and roll with the rolling surface of the pressing member 12. Furthermore, the second spherical member 15 is composed of a steel ball mounted on the counterweight member 10, as shown... Figure 16 , 17 As shown, a portion protrudes from the opening 10ab (the large-diameter opening on the Y side of the other side of the through hole 10a formed in the counterweight member 10) and is able to roll in contact with the rolling surface of the retaining member 11.

[0077] like Figure 17 As shown, in this embodiment, the through hole 10a is formed in a conical shape with the diameter continuously increasing from one opening 10aa (a small-diameter opening on the X-side) to the other opening 10ab (a large-diameter opening on the Y-side). The first spherical member 14 is prevented from detaching by the outer peripheral edges of the small-diameter openings (in this embodiment, one opening 10aa on the X-side) of both the one opening 10aa and the other opening 10ab. That is, in this embodiment, the first spherical member 14 and the second spherical member 15 are composed of spherical members with different diameters (the second spherical member 15 is a member with a larger diameter than the first spherical member 14) depending on the inner diameter of the through hole 10a. This allows the small-diameter first spherical member 14 to roll while being prevented from detaching from the small-diameter side opening edge of the through hole 10a and contacting the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 10a.

[0078] On the other hand, such as Figure 11 , 12As shown, the second spherical member 15 is prevented from detaching by the rolling surface of the retaining member 11. Thus, the small-diameter first spherical member 14 is prevented from detaching by the opening edge on the small-diameter side of the through hole 10a, and the large-diameter second spherical member 15 is prevented from detaching by the rolling surface of the retaining member 11 with a portion protruding from the opening on the large-diameter side of the through hole 10a. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the large-diameter second spherical member 15 is assembled facing the rolling surface of the retaining member 11, but the second spherical member 15 can also be assembled facing the rolling surface of the crimping member 12. In this case, the small-diameter first spherical member 14 is prevented from detaching by the opening edge on the small-diameter side of the through hole 10a, and the large-diameter second spherical member 15 is prevented from detaching by the rolling surface of the crimping member 12 with a portion protruding from the opening on the large-diameter side of the through hole 10a.

[0079] like Figure 13 As shown, the rolling surface of retaining member 11 (in this embodiment, the rolling surface of the second spherical member 15) is formed by a groove shape 11b along the moving direction of counterweight member 10 (the direction connecting the inner diameter side position and the outer diameter side position), and as... Figure 15 As shown, the rolling surface of the pressing member 12 (in this embodiment, the rolling surface of the first spherical member 14) is formed by a groove shape 12b along the moving direction of the counterweight member 10 (the direction connecting the inner diameter side position and the outer diameter side position).

[0080] Moreover, such as Figure 16 , 18 As shown in Figure 19, in this embodiment, a plurality of first spherical members 14 and second spherical members 15 are formed throughout the circumference of the retaining member 11 (the width direction of the counterweight member 10) (in this embodiment, two first spherical members 14 and two second spherical members 15 are formed). As the counterweight member 10 moves, the first spherical members 14 and the second spherical members 15 can move along the groove shapes 11b and 12b while rolling in the through hole 10a.

[0081] The auxiliary clutch plate 17 is composed of an annular member with a diameter different from that of the driving-side clutch plate 6 and the driven-side clutch plate 7 (in this embodiment, it is smaller than the diameter of the driving-side clutch plate 6 and the driven-side clutch plate 7), such as... Figure 2 , 3 As shown, the output shaft 3 (output member) is inserted into the central opening 17a and is set to a fitted state, and is configured to have a pressed surface 17b opposite to the pressing surface 11c of the retaining member 11.

[0082] When the auxiliary clutch plate 17 is pressed by the pressing surface 11c formed on the retaining member 11 when the counterweight member 10 is in the outer diameter side position (i.e., when the driving side clutch plate 6 and the driven side clutch plate 7 are in the pressed state), the driving force of the engine E can be transmitted to the output shaft 3. Furthermore, when the counterweight member 10 is in the inner diameter side position (i.e., when the pressing force of the driving side clutch plate 6 and the driven side clutch plate 7 is released), the pressing force of the pressing surface 11c formed on the retaining member 11 decreases and the pressing force is released, the transmission of the driving force of the engine E to the output shaft 3 can be cut off.

[0083] That is, if the counterweight member 10 moves to the outer diameter side, the slope groove 12a functions as a cam, keeping the member 11 and the pressing member 12 moving away from each other. As a result, the pressing surface 12c of the pressing member 12 presses the drive-side clutch plate 6 and the driven-side clutch plate 7 together, and the pressing surface 11c of the keeping member 11 presses the pressed surface 17b of the auxiliary clutch plate 17 together, thus transmitting the driving force of the engine E to the drive wheel T.

[0084] Moreover, such as Figure 5 , 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the first clutch member 4a has an abutment surface 4ad formed on a portion of the surface opposite to the pressure member 5, and as... Figure 9 , 10 As shown, the pressure member 5 has a contact surface 5e formed on a portion of its surface opposite to the first clutch member 4a. In the assembled state (where there is no torque transmission from the input gear 1 (input member) to the output shaft 3 (output member), as... Figure 2 , 3 As shown, the contact surfaces 4ad and 5e are set to contact each other.

[0085] Thus, with the contact surfaces 4ad and 5e in contact, the counterweight member 10 of the centrifugal clutch unit 9 is positioned from the inner diameter side (refer to...). Figure 22 Towards the middle position (refer to) Figure 23 During the process of increasing the torque transmitted from the input gear 1 (input member) to the output shaft 3 (output member), the relative movement between the first clutch member 4a and the pressure member 5 is not allowed, thus restricting the operation of the pressing auxiliary cam.

[0086] Then, if the counterweight component 10 of the centrifugal clutch unit 9 moves from the middle position (refer to...) Figure 23 ) Position towards the outer diameter side (refer to) Figure 24Further movement causes the driven clutch plate 6 and the driven clutch plate 7 to be pressed together by the flange portion 4bb of the second clutch member 4b, and the pressing force of the flange portion 4bb becomes greater than the force of the clutch spring S. Then, relative to the first clutch member 4a, the second clutch member 4b and the pressure member 5 move axially ( Figure 2 , 3 The clutch moves upwards (to the right), causing the contact surface 4ad of the first clutch component 4a and the contact surface 5e of the pressure component 5 to separate. It should be noted that... Figure 25 The diagram shows the counterweight member 10 in the outer diameter position and the pressure member 5 in the non-working position (clutch closed).

[0087] Thus, with the contact surfaces 4ad and 5e separated, as the counterweight member 10 of the centrifugal clutch unit 9 moves from the inner diameter side position to the outer diameter side position and the torque transmitted from the input gear 1 (input member) to the output shaft 3 (output member) increases, the relative movement between the first clutch member 4a and the pressure member 5 is permitted, and therefore the operation of the pressing auxiliary cam is permitted.

[0088] According to the power transmission device K of this embodiment, the through hole 10a of the counterweight member 10 in the centrifugal clutch unit 9 is formed in a conical shape from one opening 10aa to the other opening 10ab, and the first spherical member 14 is prevented from detaching by the outer periphery of the small-diameter opening in the one opening 10aa and the other opening 10ab. Therefore, the first spherical member 14 can be easily and correctly installed in the counterweight member 10, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0089] Furthermore, the first spherical member 14 and the second spherical member 15 are composed of spherical members with diameters different from the inner diameter of the through hole 10a, and can roll in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 10a respectively. Therefore, the first spherical member 14 and the second spherical member 15 can roll stably when the counterweight member 10 moves, thus achieving smooth movement. Moreover, in this embodiment, the second spherical member 15 is prevented from detaching by the rolling surface of the retaining member 11 or the pressing member 12, thus easily preventing the first spherical member 14 and the second spherical member 15 from detaching.

[0090] Furthermore, the rolling surface of retaining member 11 or pressing member 12 is formed by a groove shape (11b, 12b) along the moving direction of counterweight member 10, so that the second spherical member 15 on the large diameter opening side and the first spherical member 14 on the small diameter opening side can be reliably prevented from detaching respectively, and smoother movement of counterweight member 10 can be achieved.

[0091] In addition, the counterweight members 10 of this embodiment are respectively housed in a plurality of housing portions 11a formed in the circumferential direction of the holding member 11, thereby enabling them to move in a radial direction. Furthermore, the force-applying members 16 are arranged in a plurality of circumferential directions between the inner circumferential wall surface 11aa of the housing portion 11a and the counterweight members 10, thereby applying force to the counterweight members 10 from the outer diameter side position toward the inner diameter side position. Therefore, the force can be applied to the counterweight members 10 from the outer diameter side position toward the inner diameter side position with high precision, and the counterweight members 10 can be moved stably according to the centrifugal force.

[0092] Furthermore, the counterweight member 10 of this embodiment has an insertion portion 10b that opens to face the retaining member 11 and allows the force-applying member 16 to be inserted and installed, thus facilitating the assembly of the force-applying member 16 with respect to the counterweight member 10. Moreover, the counterweight member 10 of this embodiment has a groove 10c formed in the direction from the inner diameter side to the outer diameter side, and the retaining member 11 (specifically, the support member 13 fixed to and integrated with the retaining member 11) has a retaining portion 13a that matches the groove 10c and retains the counterweight member 10, thus enabling stable movement of the counterweight member 10.

[0093] Furthermore, the centrifugal clutch unit 9 of this embodiment is configured to include: a first spherical member 14, a portion of which protrudes from an opening 10aa on one side of the through hole 10a formed in the counterweight member 10, and can roll in contact with the rolling surface (groove shape 12b) of the pressing member 12; and a second spherical member 15, a portion of which protrudes from an opening 10ab on the other side of the through hole 10a formed in the counterweight member 10, and can roll in contact with the rolling surface (groove shape 11b) of the holding member 11, thereby enabling more stable movement of the counterweight member 10.

[0094] In particular, the retaining member 11 or the pressing member 12 has a groove shape (11b, 12b) along the moving direction of the counterweight member 10. This groove shape (11b, 12b) is set as the rolling surface of the first spherical member 14 or the second spherical member 15, thus enabling smoother movement of the counterweight member 10. Moreover, in this embodiment, multiple first spherical members 14 and second spherical members 15 are formed throughout the circumference of the retaining member 11 (the width direction of the counterweight member 10), thus achieving further stable movement of the counterweight member 10.

[0095] The present invention has been described above, but it is not limited thereto. For example, it may also have a structure without the pressing auxiliary cam (slope surface 4aa and slope surface 5a) and the anti-torque limiter cam (slope surface 4ab and slope surface 5b), or without the auxiliary clutch plate 17. In addition, in this embodiment, the through hole 10a is formed as a cone, but it may also be a through hole of the same diameter from one opening to the other opening, and the first spherical member 14 and the second spherical member 15 may be prevented from detaching by riveting or other anti-detachment units and methods.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the first clutch member 4a, the second clutch member 4b, and the pressure member 5 are assembled (in a state where there is no torque transmission from the input gear 1 (input member) to the output shaft 3 (output member), the contact surfaces 4ad and 5e are positioned in contact. However, it is also possible for these contact surfaces 4ad and 5e to be absent and instead separated. It should be noted that the power transmission device of the present invention can be applied not only to two-wheeled motor vehicles but also to various multi-plate clutch type power transmission devices such as automobiles, three-wheeled or four-wheeled off-road vehicles, or general-purpose machines.

[0097] Industrial availability

[0098] As long as the power transmission device is configured such that "the centrifugal clutch unit comprises: a holding member that holds the counterweight member so that it can move between an inner diameter side position and an outer diameter side position; a pressing member that moves the counterweight member from the inner diameter side position to the outer diameter side position and moves in the stacking direction of the driving side clutch plate and the driven side clutch plate to press the driving side clutch plate and the driven side clutch plate together; and a force applying member that applies force to the counterweight member from the outer diameter side position to the inner diameter side position, wherein the counterweight member is respectively housed in a plurality of housing portions formed circumferentially throughout the holding member so that it can move in a radial direction, and the force applying member is provided in a plurality of circumferentially arranged between the inner peripheral wall of the housing portion and the counterweight member to apply force to the counterweight member from the outer diameter side position to the inner diameter side position", it can also be applied to power transmission devices with different appearance shapes or power transmission devices with additional functions.

[0099] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0100] 1. Input gear (input component)

[0101] 2. Clutch housing

[0102] 2a Incision

[0103] 3. Output shaft (output component)

[0104] 4a First clutch component

[0105] 4aa Slope surface (cam for pressing assistance)

[0106] 4ab slope surface (cam for reverse torque limiter)

[0107] 4ac protrusion

[0108] 4ad contact surface

[0109] 4b Second Clutch Component

[0110] 4ba spline fitting part

[0111] 4bb flange

[0112] 5. Pressure components

[0113] 5a Slope surface (cam for pressing assistance)

[0114] 5b Slope surface (cam for reverse torque limiter)

[0115] 5c Flange

[0116] 5D Embedded Hole

[0117] 5e contact surface

[0118] 6. Drive-side clutch disc

[0119] 7. Passive side clutch plate

[0120] 8. Fixed components

[0121] 9 Centrifugal Clutch Unit

[0122] 10 Counterweight Components

[0123] 10a Through Hole

[0124] 10aa One side of the opening

[0125] 10ab The opening on the other side

[0126] 10b Insertion section

[0127] 10ba end wall

[0128] 10c slot

[0129] 11 Retaining components

[0130] 11a Containment Department

[0131] 11aa inner peripheral wall

[0132] 11b groove shape

[0133] 11c Pressing surface

[0134] 12. Press-fit components

[0135] 12a Slope Trough

[0136] 12b groove shape

[0137] 12c Pressing Surface

[0138] 13 Supporting components

[0139] 13a Holding section

[0140] 14 First spherical component

[0141] 15 Second spherical component

[0142] 16. Force-applying components

[0143] 17. Auxiliary clutch plate

[0144] 17a Central opening

[0145] 17b Pressed surface

[0146] S Clutch spring.

Claims

1. A power transmission apparatus, comprising: a clutch member that houses a clutch case in which a plurality of drive-side clutch plates are installed, that rotates together with an input member that rotates by a driving force of an engine of a vehicle, that installs a plurality of passive-side clutch plates that are alternately arranged with the drive-side clutch plates, and that is linked to an output member that can rotate a wheel of the vehicle; a pressure member that can move between an operating position that is a position in which the drive-side clutch plates and the passive-side clutch plates are pressed to be in a state in which the driving force of the engine can be transmitted to the wheel, and a non-operating position that is a position in which pressing force of the drive-side clutch plates and the passive-side clutch plates is released to be able to cut off transmission of the driving force of the engine to the wheel; and a centrifugal clutch unit that includes a counterweight member that can move from an inner diameter side position to an outer diameter side position by centrifugal force that accompanies rotation of the clutch case, that causes the drive-side clutch plates and the passive-side clutch plates to be pressed to be in a state in which the driving force of the engine can be transmitted to the wheel when the counterweight member is in the outer diameter side position, and that causes the drive-side clutch plates and the passive-side clutch plates to be released from pressing to be able to cut off transmission of the driving force of the engine to the wheel when the counterweight member is in the inner diameter side position, wherein the centrifugal clutch unit includes: a holding member that holds the counterweight member so as to be able to move between the inner diameter side position and the outer diameter side position; and a pressing member that moves in a stacking direction of the drive-side clutch plates and the passive-side clutch plates by the counterweight member moving from the inner diameter side position to the outer diameter side position to cause the drive-side clutch plates and the passive-side clutch plates to be pressed, the holding member includes: an inner peripheral side portion that is formed with a through hole into which the output member is inserted and that is continuous in a circumferential direction; an outer peripheral side portion that is located at a position that is radially outward of the inner peripheral side portion and that is continuous in the circumferential direction; a plurality of ribs that extend in the radial direction and that connect the inner peripheral side portion and the outer peripheral side portion; and a plurality of accommodation portions that are formed between the ribs that are adjacent in the circumferential direction and that are located at a position that is radially outward of the through hole and that accommodate the counterweight member, the accommodation portions are concave in shape and open toward the pressing member side in an axial direction of the output member, the ribs have: a main portion that extends in the radial direction; and a bulging portion that is located radially outward of the main portion and that is continuous with the main portion and that has a length in the circumferential direction that becomes longer as it goes radially outward. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ One of the accommodation portions has a first straight portion and a second straight portion, the first straight portion is divided by the bulging portion on one side in the circumferential direction of the accommodation portion and allows a surface on one side in the circumferential direction of the counterweight member to slide, the second straight portion is divided by the bulging portion on the other side in the circumferential direction of the accommodation portion and allows a surface on the other side in the circumferential direction of the counterweight member to slide, and is parallel to the first straight portion when viewed in the axial direction of the output member, the surface adjacent to the bulging portion among the surface on one side in the circumferential direction of the counterweight member and the surface adjacent to the bulging portion among the surface on the other side in the circumferential direction of the counterweight member are parallel, and the surface adjacent to the main body portion among the surface on one side in the circumferential direction of the counterweight member and the surface adjacent to the main body portion among the surface on the other side in the circumferential direction of the counterweight member are inclined so as to be separated from each other more as they go outward in the radial direction when viewed in the axial direction of the output member in a state where the counterweight member is positioned at the inner diameter side position.

2. The power transmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a support member is provided, the support member is fixed to the holding member, the holding member and the support member hold the counterweight member, the support member has a first opening through which the counterweight member is exposed and a second opening through which the counterweight member is exposed on the other side in the circumferential direction compared to the first opening with respect to one of the accommodation portions when viewed in the axial direction of the output member, a first edge portion that divides an edge portion adjacent to the bulging portion among edge portions on one side in the circumferential direction of the first opening in the support member and a second edge portion that divides an edge portion adjacent to the bulging portion among edge portions on the other side in the circumferential direction of the second opening in the support member are parallel, and a third edge portion that divides an edge portion adjacent to the main body portion among edge portions on one side in the circumferential direction of the first opening in the support member and a fourth edge portion that divides an edge portion adjacent to the main body portion among edge portions on the other side in the circumferential direction of the second opening in the support member are inclined so as to be separated from each other more as they go outward in the radial direction.

3. The power transmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the holding member has a plurality of protruding portions that protrude from an outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral side portion outward in the radial direction and are positioned outward in the radial direction compared to the ribs, and are attached to the clutch housing, the protruding portions include a first protruding portion whose end portion on one side in the circumferential direction is positioned on the other side in the circumferential direction compared to an end portion on one side in the circumferential direction of the bulging portion and whose end portion on the other side in the circumferential direction is positioned on one side in the circumferential direction compared to an end portion on the other side in the circumferential direction of the bulging portion.

4. The power transmission apparatus according to claim 3, wherein The bulge is located on a straight line passing through the center of the first protrusion portion and the center of the holding member in the circumferential direction of the first protrusion portion when viewed in the axial direction of the output member.

5. The power transmission apparatus according to claim 3, wherein The plurality of protrusion portions include a second protrusion portion that is located partially outside the radial direction of the bulge when viewed in the axial direction of the output member.

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